As the Edinburgh TV Festival gets underway, Sky Arts has made a significant announcement, unveiling two new classical music documentaries that will premiere on the channel and streamer Now this fall. The Handel Scandal and Dangerous Debussy are set to captivate audiences with their unique perspectives on the lives of two of the world’s most renowned composers, George Frideric Handel and Claude Debussy.

Exploring the Lives of Two Musical Titans

The Handel Scandal, produced by Factory Films, delves into the life of Handel, examining the role that the English actress and singer Susannah Cibber played in the creation of his most celebrated work, the oratorio Messiah. The documentary will explore the connection between Cibber’s performance and the scandal that made headlines at the time. The film will feature operatic soprano Dianelle de Niese, who is set to star in the West End’s Hadestown, as its presenter.

Dangerous Debussy, produced by Section 52 Films, takes a closer look at the turbulent private life of Claude Debussy, a life that hid behind his compositions. The documentary will explore the relationships between Debussy and the women who loved and supported him, shedding light on the complexities of his personal life. The film will feature actor Adeel Akhtar reading letters written by Debussy, as well as insights from Debussy scholars Professor Barbara L. Kelly and Professor Caroline Rae.

Both documentaries are set to premiere on Sky Arts and streamer Now this fall, free to households in the UK. The news marks a significant week for British TV, with the final Edinburgh TV Festival set to begin tomorrow before the 51-year-old event transfers to Greater Manchester in England next year.